CM Vigilance Raids SMCH Over Financial Irregularities in Radiology Department

A team from the Chief Minister’s Special Vigilance Cell is conducting a surprise raid at Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) on Wednesday (April 23) morning in connection with alleged financial irregularities in the institution’s Central Laboratory, reported last year.

The action follows an FIR filed by the hospital administration with Cachar Police, which was later forwarded to the CM’s Vigilance Cell. Sources in Cachar Police confirmed that the vigilance team has begun on-ground enquiries to investigate suspected corruption and mismanagement in the hospital’s functioning.

This probe comes in the wake of the July 17, 2024, suspension of six casual workers from the Central Laboratory, including Muzibur Rahman, Mazhar Bhuiya, Paulang Rongmai, Brahmananda Karmi, Saumen Ghosh, Aziz Sheikh, and Rasu Chandra Das. The disciplinary action was based on a report submitted by Deputy Superintendent Dr. Hrituraj Thakuria, who was assigned to investigate internal complaints.

As per the findings, the workers were allegedly involved in manipulating lab procedures, facilitating multiple tests for other private laboratories in exchange for money, using a single barcode. Terming this a serious breach, SMCH Superintendent Dr. Deb Kumar Chakraborty said the hospital has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption.

Additionally, three employees from the Radiology Department were transferred as a punitive measure, and a separate committee has been formed to probe irregularities within that wing.

The SMCH Casual Workers’ Association had earlier condemned the administration’s move, calling the suspensions “unethical” and an attempt to scapegoat contractual staff to shield senior officials.

The CM Vigilance Cell’s intervention is expected to bring more clarity on the extent of the financial misconduct at the medical college.

The team’s findings were yet to be made public at the time of writing this report.